Massachusetts
Game On! Exploring the Massachusetts Sports Trail
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A vast array of stadiums, ballparks, museums and more provides sports enthusiasts with opportunities to catch exciting games statewide.
While the Bay State may be better known for its maritime history, sports fans can uncover a wealth of stories about world-famous teams and celebrate centuries of innovation in sports along the Massachusetts Sports Trail. Many of the USA’s most popular professional teams – as well as iconic sneaker manufacturers such as Converse and New Balance – are headquartered in Massachusetts, affording the unforgettable chance to see your favorite athletes in action. Snack on peanuts and Cracker Jacks at Fenway Park, discover the origins of volleyball in Holyoke, visit the birthplace of basketball in Springfield, watch baseball’s rising stars compete in Cape Cod and more as you explore the diverse stops along the Massachusetts Sports Trail. As a bonus, many of these sports-related attractions are located near major cities and other places of interest, making them great additions to a Massachusetts itinerary.
Root for the Home Team at Fenway Park
As the oldestMajor League Baseball park in the USA, Fenway Park inBoston has cemented its place in the sport’s history. It’s home to the world-famous Boston Red Sox baseball team and is perhaps best known for its 11-meter-tall left field wall, called the Green Monster. See it whether you attend a game or take a tour, with year-round options ranging from 15-minute trips to day-long excursions. You’ll go behind the scenes to learn the history of the park, visit the Red Sox Hall of Fame, view memorabilia and more.
A spectacular sunset over Fenway Park in Boston
TD Garden: A Sports and Entertainment Hub
In the heart of Boston’s West End neighborhood, state-of-the-art TD Garden serves as the site for both Boston Celtics basketball and Boston Bruins hockey games.New England’s largest sports and entertainment arena also hosts concerts and other events. Stop by the ProShop to pick up merchandise and memorabilia from both teams, including jerseys and gear used during games, and don’t miss exploring exhibits that celebrate Boston’s sporting history at The Sports Museum.
Vintage Play at Essex Base Ball Club
Get a look at how baseball was played in the 19th century — sans gloves and overhand pitching — when you watch the teams of theEssex Base Ball Club take the field. Games are on the schedule from May to October each year at the charming Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm in Newbury. Afterwards, tour this family-friendly historic site to learn about New England farm life and meet farm animals.
Cheer on Champions at Gillette Stadium
Just southwest of Boston, the New England Patriots football and New England Revolution soccer teams play home games at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough; both teams are among the most awarded in their respective leagues. Discover the history of Patriots football through interactive exhibits at the Patriots Hall of Fame, then climb the Gillette Stadium Lighthouse. This 66-meter-tall ornamental statue decorates the north end zone, with amazing views of Boston andProvidence,Rhode Island, from the observation deck.
Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, home of New England Patriots football team and the New England Revolution soccer team
Historic Hoops: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
Make your way to Springfield to discover the birthplace and history of basketball at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, whose namesake invented the game in 1891. The sprawling museum contains artifacts from the sport’s early days, more than 3,000 portraits of basketball legends in the Hall of Fame and interactive exhibits to test your basketball skills.
Larger-than-life exhibits and installations at the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame in Springfield
Cape Cod Baseball League’s Summer Schedule
Each year, 10 baseball teams compete in the Cape Cod Baseball League, the USA’s premier amateur league that’s seen more than 1,500 players make it to the major leagues. With games nearly every evening starting in June through early August, there are plenty of opportunities to catch rising sports stars in action at ballparks throughout the Cape. In between, exploreCape Cod on scenic walking trails like those at Ashumet Holly Wildlife Sanctuary in Falmouth.
Cheering on the teams of the Cape Cod Baseball League
International Volleyball Hall of Fame in the Birthplace of Volleyball
Volleyball was invented in Holyoke in 1895, so it’s the fitting home of the International Volleyball Hall of Fame, whose mission is to honor legends of the sport and preserve its history. Visit the museum for a showcase of artifacts and memorabilia that tell the story of volleyball from its origins to present day and learn about notable athletes in the Hall of Fame. Nearby, visit the Children’s Museum at Holyoke and see real prehistoric tracks at Dinosaur Footprints.
Memorabilia on display at the International Volleyball Hall of Fame in Holyoke, Massachusetts
Getting There
Fly into Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and rent a car to begin your Massachusetts journey. You'll discover exciting athletic events and sports-focused attractions all over the state no matter what time of year you visit.
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